Arabic Word Stump of the Day: Sahafa

Usually while studying Arabic, I can make the link between ancient meanings and modern usage of certain root forms, but the word for "newspaper" has thrown me for a loop. Newspaper in Arabic is, sahifa, the root of course being shf, which also gives us other modern concepts, such as journalism, and journalist. The verb sahhafa however, means exactly what you should not do if you are working in the "news business". It means, to misread, mispronounce, misspell, distort and twist; in fact, absolutely everything you should not do. 

If anyone can explain this one to me that would be great, because this one has me stumped. Unless of course, you go with the simple answer, which is the Arab speaking world has hipstered us and went with irony when choosing a word for journalism realizing the true nature of journalism as distortion and wanted to make it explicit. At any rate, this will be a very useful root. It has two very precise meanings that I will use often. I will probably frequently talk about newspapers and journalism, and in Arabic I will also frequently mispronounce, misread and misspell.

In 30 Days or Less: Opportunity Abounds in Marrakesh

The city and mountain view
from my office window. 

Well it seems that my meeting last Friday is working out. I am still a little overwhelmed by how quickly things are moving and don't want to jinx anything. But I was sitting in my new office across from my supervisor who was telling our partners in Brazil about his new intern, so I guess I can spill the beans.

I was hoping to at least volunteer for this organization called ALCS here in Marrakesh, maybe a few hours a week and see what I could do to help. After looking over my resume the director, who had previously been open to the idea but not jumping out of her seat started to get excited and jumped out of her seat. She scanned my resume and sent it to another sister organization, ITPC MENA. The head guy there immediately responded and asked to meet me right away, that very day, that very hour if possible. So I met him and he seemed very happy that I just walked in off the street and was sure there was a way for us to collaborate. Later that day I received an email from him saying he wanted more than a volunteer, so for the moment he could offer me a two-month paid internship/apprenticeship and was quite optimistic that a paid long-term agreement could be reached within that time-frame.

I have a feeling that he wanted to at least offer me an internship to make sure I didn't keep looking. It was more than I expected when I walked into the ALCS office on Friday. I gave myself two months to find something interesting and important to do in Marrakesh, as I read that was the average for other expats. So I am kind of proud of myself for making it happen in 30 days. My new supervisor was worried that I might think it strange how fast things are moving, but he assured me that he was looking for someone just like me and never expected me to just walk in off the streets looking to help in some way. He was already planning to advertise at US universities. It's an amazing feeling when the organization you are looking for is looking for someone like you. You feel the connection immediately. And the promise of plenty of work and travel is not too bad either. So unofficially, because that's how fast all this has been moving and there hasn't been time to come up with a title, I am the new Regional Advocacy Assistant for the Middle East and North Africa at the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition Middle East North Africa. It probably won't fit on one business card. 

My office. The orange chair is mine.
Changing soon I hope.

Today was my second day, so presentation of the organization and a look at the newest project, and another meeting probably next week to define my role and tasks. I have a lot to learn about a completely new thematic area and the opportunity to make new friends and learn Arabic which is exciting. I am looking forward to this experience, and Mika of course is cautiously optimistic as he want to extend his stay in Marrakesh as well. So thank you everyone for your support and words of encouragement when I was feeling down. All this is a bit too perfect, but I intend to enjoy this moment and see how far it will take me.